Entertainment
A jam-packed timetable at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven

IT’S all happening at the Torch Theatre this spring and summer. Kicking off with the Torch Youth Theatre Spring production of Ravers, the Summer Youth Theatre production of The Bangers and Chips Explosion by Brough Girling, and finally the ever-popular summer schools make a welcome return with opportunities for Juniors, Seniors, and Adults – there really is something for everyone!
We’re only a few weeks away from Torch Youth Theatre’s latest production, Ravers, which promises to be a fun filled evening of comedy. This brand-new play written by Rikki Beadle-Blair specifically for young people aged 15 -18, runs in the studio theatre from Thursday 6 March to Saturday 8 March with performances starting at 7.30pm nightly. Don’t forget to get your tickets!
The Torch Theatre has you covered for a summer fun too! Rehearsals begin for their spectacular full youth theatre production The Bangers and Chips Explosion in April. The playis based on a popular children’s novel and adapted specifically for youth theatre’s just like the ones at the Torch. It’s Roald Dahl meets David Walliams in this wild and raucous, family friendly comedy, which promises to be a great experience for all the youth theatre members and will run from 21 to 23 July.
“There so many brilliant characters for our young actors to get their teeth into – useless headteachers, efficient school secretaries, a monstrous dinner lady, and a gang of comic book crooks!” said Tim Howe, Torch’s Senior Manager Youth and Community who wrote the adaptation and directs the youth theatre.
“Stink bombs, kidnapping, abseiling, mistaken identity and a heavy dose of comic disguises all fill up the action of this play, which will delight our audiences! If you saw last year’s The Wind In The Willows, the you’ll know exactly what to expect from our young people, and this promises to be a night of theatre which won’t disappoint!” said Tim, who can’t wait to see you and your young people join in on the fun.
But Torch’s summer of fun doesn’t stop in July. Their in-demand summer schools make a welcome return for more fun filled creative activities.
“Our Summer School provisions are the highlight of many people’s Summers, especially since we have expanded our courses to include an adult option. We are so pleased that thanks to our sponsors Milford Haven Port Authority and The Ingles Charitable trust that we can continue to offer all this provision at accessible price points, with a range of payment plans available.” said Tim.
This year the Torch is offering sessions called Dramatic Detectives for ages seven to 11, running daily from 10am to 3pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August, Playmakers for ages 11 -18 running from 10am to 4pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August, and Show off! for those 18 and over, welcomes writers, singers and performers … All talents are welcomed for the Adult Summer School which runs on Thursday evenings throughout August with a showcase performance on Saturday 30 August.
“Our summer schools are for total novices as well as those just wanting to brush up on their dramatic skills. Everyone is welcome and the best thing about our summer schools is that there’s no audition to join us, you can just turn up and get involved,” said Tim.
He concluded: “We can’t wait to welcome you to the Torch this summer, as either a participant or an audience member! And if you would like to support any of this amazing work for our community then please do check out our membership schemes or how to make a donation – it is your generosity that helps us provide a safe creative space for people, give them the confidence to find their voice, and the courage to be who they want to be.”
For further information, visit the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Entertainment
Let’s ‘raise a little hell this spring’ at The Torch Theatre

STARRING Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning, cult-favourite production Bonnie and Clyde The Musical (including Best New Musical – What’s On Stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Watch the lovers as they go on a crime spree on the Torch Theatre screen this May.
Captured in stunning, world-class quality, the musical follows the most notorious lovers and bank robbers who take the country by storm in a sexy and compelling adventure. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie and Clyde went from being two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes who created a serious headache for the law enforcements. From kidnappings to murders in the 1930’s, the lovers robbed gas stations, restaurants, and smalltown stores in the areas of New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas and it is believed that they murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians before being shot and killed in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 1 May at 7pm. Tickets: £15.00 | £13.00 Cons | £8.50 Under 26. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Entertainment
Spring into the Easter holidays with family fun across the Park

THE EASTER HOLIDAY promises action-packed fun in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, with family-friendly activities taking place across the Park and at the Authority’s three main attractions – Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc. The events coincide with the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight (4 to18 April), which celebrates the UK’s protected landscapes.

At Carew Castle, visitors can look forward to trails, tales and plenty of medieval mischief. From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April, Bunny’s Big Egg Hunt invites children to search the Castle grounds for hidden eggs using a smartphone, with a sweet reward for those who succeed. The ever-popular Horrid Histories will also return with gory stories and terrible tales of Castle life, included free with admission on weekdays at 11am from 7 to 25 April.
Those in search of adventure can take on Find the Key!, a quest to uncover four hidden keys – only one of which unlocks the Castle’s treasure chest. The challenge takes place daily at 3pm, excluding Tuesdays. On those days – 8, 15 and 22 April – the focus shifts to a Guided Family Castle Tour at 1.30pm, followed by FIRE! Launch of the Giant Trebuchet at 2.30pm, when the legendary siege engine is set into motion.
The Storymaster’s Quests: Castle of Adventure will return with immersive fantasy experiences created by Oliver McNeil and voiced by Tom Baker. Suitable for ages 6+, tickets are £6 per person, with Castle admission also applying. Dates vary. See website for further details.
To round off the fun, the Mini Easter Fair runs from 18 to 21 April, offering rides and games for younger visitors. Small charges apply.
For opening times and booking information, visit www.carewcastle.com.

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, families will be able to travel back in time this Easter with a mix of hands-on activities and ancient skills.
On Tuesdays 15 and 22 April, Druid Magic offers the chance to light fires, bake bread and try traditional face painting, while learning how the Druids of Iron Age Britain connected with the world around them.
Fun in the Fort on Wednesdays 16 and 23 April features a changing line-up of prehistoric crafts, while Discovery Days on Thursdays 17 and 24 April invite visitors to try something new – from ancient techniques to creative experiments inspired by the past.
A new Family Spinning Workshop on Sunday 13 April will teach the ancient art of turning fleece into yarn using a drop spindle. Sessions take place at 11am and 1.30pm. See website for booking information.
Further information can be found at www.castellhenllys.com.
At Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, the focus turns to nature, creativity and seasonal celebration. Running from 12 to 27 April, the Egg Trail Adventure will invite young explorers to search the site for beautifully designed eggs inspired by local birdlife.
Hands-on fun continues with two drop-in Make & Take workshops. On Wednesday 16 April, visitors can build a cosy shelter for hedgehogs in time for Hedgehog Awareness Week. The following Wednesday, 23 April, children can create a colourful pinecone insect in the Ladybird Sanctuary Workshop.
For those looking for a deeper creative experience, a Foraged Poetry Prints Workshop with artist Bean Sawyer will take place on Thursday 24 April from 10am–1pm. Using cyanotype printing and found fragments of poetry, participants will create striking blue-toned artwork using natural materials. Booking is essential.
Visitors can also browse the St Davids and Solva Art Group exhibition from 17 to 23 April, showcasing spring-themed work by local artists, with proceeds supporting charity.
To find out more, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Beyond the main attractions, visitors can enjoy a selection of guided walks and wildlife experiences across the wider National Park.
On Thursday 10 April, the Smugglers and Pirates Walk sets off from Solva Harbour at 10am. This 3.5-mile coastal route reveals hidden coves, Iron Age forts and tales of maritime mischief.
Later in the month, bird enthusiasts can enjoy two chances to connect with the Park’s feathered residents. On Thursday 24 April, What’s That Bird? at Minwear Wood will help participants learn how to identify woodland species by sight and sound, guided by a National Park Ranger. The season concludes with a peaceful Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 27 April, starting from Lower Fishguard at 6am — an early morning opportunity to welcome the day to the sound of birdsong.
To plan your visit and discover more events, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.
Entertainment
The authentic sound of The Rolling Stones… with the world’s premier Jagger lookalike

CAPTURING the authentic sound and spirit of The Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band In The World, NOT THE ROLLING STONES have played festivals, theatres and private gigs throughout Europe, the middle east and the UK. This May, they will appear here on the Torch Stage in Pembrokeshire!
Featuring the best Mick Jagger lookalike you will ever see, truly international tribute act in demand all over Europe as well as the UK, will take you back to the Golden Age of The Stones- from Satisfaction to Sympathy for the Devil… You won’t believe it’s not Jagger!
Based on the Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in London in 1962 and active for over six decades, they were one of the most popular, influential, and enduring bands of the rock era and pioneered the gritty, rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock, and Not The Rolling Stones carry on that legacy today.
They have the unique asset of a ‘Mick and Keith’ who stagger audiences with their authenticity, also attested by the many TV and film credits they have between them.
Backed by a superb group of professional musicians that love the music they are playing; they convey their enthusiasm for the work of the world’s greatest rock and roll band.
Not the Rolling Stones will be on the Torch Theatre stage on Friday 16 May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
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